Despite the drought: no shortage of cooling water for power plants

Water Supply from Reservoir and Open-Pit Mine

Furthermore, the power plants are not directly dependent on the natural water levels of the rivers. Lippendorf draws its cooling water from the Witznitz reservoir—a former open-pit mine near Borna. Depending on demand and availability, the reservoir is fed with water from the Freiberger Mulde. 

The Boxberg power plant in Lusatia draws its cooling water from the Schwarzer Schöps, says Schirmer. In turn, water is continuously fed into the river from the neighboring open-pit lignite mine, which is also operated by the energy company Leag. This allows the plant to provide its own sufficient supply of cooling water. The open-pit mining operation generates more water than is needed for the power plant’s cooling. This supports the water balance of the Spree—especially during dry periods.